Dubai courts and prosecution
This section covers Dubai's judicial and supervisory bodies: the emirate's courts, the public prosecution and related units, including the notary. They review civil, criminal, family and labor disputes and issue official documents (primarily powers of attorney). Some procedures are standardized, and clear requirements are published for them.
The most common reasons to come here are to draw up and notarize a power of attorney, open a case or application, certify or recognize documents, and decide on family matters. Powers of attorney and many official acts are certified by the notary at the Dubai courts; documents issued outside the UAE usually require prior legalization and a certified translation into Arabic.
Some services are available electronically: booking an appointment, submitting documents and making payment via the Dubai courts' official portals. This simplifies typical procedures; however, signing a power of attorney before a notary usually requires being there in person. Before applying, it is worth learning the current document list and translation requirements.
Institutions on the map
Court Dubai Courts
Dubai CourtsDubai Courts hear civil, criminal and family cases and process legal documents, including the attestation of powers of attorney and marriage contracts.
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Court Dubai Public Prosecution
Dubai Public ProsecutionDubai Public Prosecution investigates criminal cases, receives complaints and represents the prosecution in the emirate's courts.
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Court Dubai Ruler's Court
Dubai Ruler's CourtThe Dubai Ruler's Court is an administrative body attached to the emirate's ruler that reviews citizens' petitions and resolves matters of state governance.
View on mapFrequently asked questions
How do I draw up a power of attorney in Dubai?+
A power of attorney is drawn up and certified by the notary at the Dubai courts, usually in the presence of the person granting it. If the document is in another language, a certified translation into Arabic is usually required.
Is legalization required for documents issued abroad?+
Yes, documents issued outside the UAE usually go through a legalization and certification process to be recognized by the Dubai courts. The exact procedure depends on the country where the document was issued.
What cases do the Dubai courts hear?+
The Dubai courts hear civil, criminal, family and labor cases. Investigating criminal cases and conducting the prosecution is the task of the public prosecution.
What does the prosecution deal with?+
The public prosecution is responsible for investigating and supervising criminal cases and referring cases to court. For criminal complaints you turn to the police and prosecution, not directly to the court.
Can documents be submitted to the court online?+
For some procedures, the Dubai courts offer online appointments, document submission and payment via official portals. At the same time, some acts, such as certifying a power of attorney before a notary, usually require being there in person.